Friday, June 26, 2009

I will be frequently updating this blog today as we go along with the Entry Draft. Any and all rumors that I come across will be posted here, be sure to share your thoughts with us as we progress. All picks will be posted at the top, all rumors at the bottom in real-time. Most up to date rumors will be posted at the top of the rumor list.ENTRY DRAFT:

1. New York Islanders - John Tavares - "It's been a long time coming for me. With a rebuilding team, it should be exciting. We'll bring the tradition back. I had no idea they were going to take me first overall".2. Tampa Bay Lightning - Victor Hedman - "My mom told me to play D so I have a lot of thanks to give to her." Lawton indirectly says if they had number 1 pick they would NOT have drafted Hedman.3. Colorado Avalanche - Matt Duchene - "I got a great team back in Brampton if I don't make the team next year. It's a great team and I look forward to training camp." Matt Duchene knew the exact sticks and their curves of the Avalanche team.4. Atlanta Thrashers - Evander Kane - "I'm hoping to be a 50 goal guy."5. Los Angeles Kings - Brayden Schenn - He looked pretty frustrated that he didn't get drafted by the Leafs.6. Phoenix Coyotes - Oliver Ekman-Larsson7. Toronto Maple Leafs - Nazim Kadri - Burke gets booed before drafting him. Burke told Brian Murray he was taking Kadri. "I feel great. Nice warm welcome here in Montreal. I can't wait to get started".8. Dallas Stars - Scott Glennie9. Ottawa Senators - Jared Cowen10. Edmonton Oilers - Magnus-Paajarvi Svensson11. Nashville Predators - Ryan Ellis - At 5'8", he is a fantastic player who played as Team Canada's quarterback and played the line solo.12. New York Islanders (from MIN) - Calvin DeHaan13. Buffalo Sabres - Zach Kassian - Considered the best physical player and best fighter in the draft with size and skill.14. Florida Panthers - Dmitri Kulikov15. Anaheim Ducks - Peter Holland16. Minnesota Wild (CBJ from NYI) - Nick Leddy17. St. Louis Blues - David Rundblad18. Montreal Canadiens - Louis Leblanc - "Determined scorer, strong character, we would have moved up a bit to get him if given the opportunity" - Bob Gainey.19. New York Rangers - Chris Kreider20. New Jersey Devils (from CGY) - Jacob Josefson21. Columbus Blue Jackets (PHI from ANA) - John Moore22. Vancouver Canucks - Jordan Schroeder - Schroeder and Hodgson played against each other in the World Juniors, now they are teammates. Vancouver steals Schroeder at 22nd overall.23. Calgary Flames (from NJD) - Tim Erixon - "It's a dream come true, I'm real proud and I hope my whole family is proud". 24. Washington Capitals - Marcus Johansson - Ranked 33rd, he sets the record of the most Swedish players drafted in the first round (7).25. Boston Bruins - Jordan Caron26. Anaheim Ducks(SJS from CBJ from NYI) - Kyle Palmieri27. Carolina Hurricanes - Phillipe Paradis28. Chicago Blackhawks - Dylan Olsen29. Tampa Bay Lightning (from DET) - Carter Ashton30. Pittsburgh Penguins - Simon Depres

Looking more and more like Kessel will be traded in time for tonight's draft. Several teams expressing interest.

TSN reveals a pick will come Toronto's way for Kaberle and the Leafs 7th, but other sources state the 7th is not involved. Perhaps Kessel and a 3rd (Boston has no 2nd round picks this year) for Kaberle? Kessel is slated to be an RFA this summer.

Alec Brownscombe details a counter offer by Burke with Atlanta that is believed to be the 4th overall pick, prospect/roster player for Kaberle and the Leafs 7th overall pick. Toronto likes Colby Armstrong's style of play, as well as Brian Little who was drafted 1 pick before Tlusty.

3:00 PM

According to the Montreal Gazette, Gainey claims they are in fact looking at a number 1 centerman, but he claims they will not find him as a free agent on July 1st.

There is an offer on the table for Heatley and it's believed to be Frolov and LA's first round pick (5th overall) for him. - Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Thanks to Andrew Stoeten for finding this piece of evidence:"Columbus is not interested in Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle, and one rumour circulating is that the Thrashers will land him, as part of a package that will see the Leafs get Atlanta's fourth-overall pick" - Columbus Dispatch.

2:15 PM

From Alec Brownscombe at MLHS: "Deal between Boston and Toronto does not include Toronto's 7th overall pick, but a pick in return from Boston."

Colorado still trying to move up or gain a few extra picks. Hanna, Smyth and Liles are the names that are being thrown around.

Islanders are intrigued by Matt Duchene and John Tavares.

Tampa has lots of interest in Hedman but are liking the idea of getting Tavares and Stamkos back together.

1:00 PM

Thrashers thinking of trading down if they can land a top tier player to keep Kovalchuk interested in staying in Atlanta. They also need immediate ticket sales.

Dallas Stars are thought to be the only team that is fine with trading out of a top 10 pick, the Edmonton Oilers have made calls.

Heatley camp could reach an end tonight, but Murray is not pleased that he has a NTC to prevent any quick deals on the floor.

Sharks trying to get Clowe locked up long-term but are surprised at the amount of offers on the table.

Bouwmeester may not be dealt tonight, but Florida understands that they are in desperation mode now.

Tampa Bay still demanding Schenn be included in a deal for the Leafs to land the 2nd overall pick and Burke is not biting.

Canadiens trying to make a splash to land a big time forward. Marleau and Lecavalier names have come up but perhaps Kessel is also on their radar.

2 comments:

Good coverage Mike! I would like to make the following comments though...This was an extremely boring, overly dragged out production of the draft. As a viewer, having to wait a half hour (so it seemed) to see the next selection was pathetic. I will not waste my time watching this again on TSN!! As a sub note, you can see the lack of movement due to the league ruining salary cap...what an NHL bust!!